Sclerocactus wrightiae displays considerable morphologic variation, presumably due to introgression with S. parviflorus; however, it can usually be recognized by its noticeably fragrant flowers with pink to white tepals, and magenta staminal filaments. Although S. wrightiae generally has smaller stems and flowers and shorter spines than S. parviflorus, there are many exceptions.

Sclerocactus wrightiae is known to occur only near the Fremont River and San Rafael Swell in Utah. Exploitation by cactus collectors is partly responsible for its scarcity.

Sclerocactus wrightiae is in the Center for Plant Conservation’s National Collection of Endangered Plants.